Dying woman marries partner in dream wedding

Wiki Hunuhunu and Jackson Brown have tied the knot after 28 years together. Photo / Rotorua Daily Post

The chapel at Rotorua Hospital hosted a poignant ceremony on Saturday, when a dying woman married her long-time love in a dream come true.

Wiki Hunuhunu married her partner of 28 years Jackson Brown at the chapel, in a wedding with all the trappings, gifted to them by the local community, the Rotorua Daily Post reported.

The pair heard only last week that Miss Hunuhunu, 42, had just months to live.

In hospital recovering from a stroke, a CT scan revealed she had end-stage cervical cancer.

Mr Brown, 46, said he had been wanting to pop the question for some time but didn't know how to put how he felt into words.

The scan results, and a word from their eldest son - the pair have raised 11 children between them - prompted him into action.

Miss Hunuhunu said the proposal was like a dream come true.

The couple were planning a simple ceremony, but the wife of another patient in the hospital's rehabilitation unit decided to give Miss Hunuhunu the wedding she deserved.

A call to a local radio station spread the word and within hours 10 businesses had donated products or services for the wedding, including a bridal dress and catering.

- NZPA